Money problems continue to hit people and agencies across the state. That includes youth organizations in the area. The Boys and Girls Club of Pitt County found out it's going to be short nearly $200,000.00 this year.
This is home away from home for Andrea Monterrosa. She says, "The Boys and Girls club is like family to me." Andrea became a member 3 years ago and says, "It's taught me a lot of things like not to fight."
Stefan Hicks says the club taught him responsibility. He says, "I help volunteer and go on trips with the staff and help them do stuff around the club."
It's those experiences that Executive Director Jay Faron wants to keep seeing. But, Faron thinks losing $187,000.00 in grants will make it difficult. The "Support Our Students" grant keeps the Boys and Girls Club running across Pitt County.
Jay Faron says,"It looks like it'll be funds used for other things. The Governor had to make some tough choices and this is one of those choices."
Reporter: "Despite the negative news from the state, Faron is staying positive; focusing on future projects to keep boys and girls club sites open."
Faron says, “We have some reserves, but the main thing we're doing is adding fundraisers in addition to asking parents to contribute more." Faron worries the kids will suffer if sites shut down.
Faron says, "We find many of them, particularly those kids living in rough neighborhoods who say if I go home I'm just going to fall in a gang and I'm going to get in trouble."
Faron says he's determined to keep the Club open and hopes others realize what's at stake.
The Boys and Girls Club has locations in Winterville, Ayden, North Greenville and Farmville.
If you want to learn more about the program, go to our home page and type in the keywords: “Boys and Girls Club”.
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